Chapter 326: Guidance

A silver spiritual light descended from the sky, landing at the foot of Xiaonanshan Mountain. It was Yu Lian.

To show respect, he did not fly directly to the mountain peak.

Chen Mobai immediately motioned for Luo Yixuan, who was beside him, to go and bring him up.

Compared to his previous reserved aura, Yu Lian's current presence was like a newly sharpened sword, its cold gleam radiating unbound.

However, this was also because he had just successfully established his foundation and could not yet fully control his rapidly surging spiritual power.

"Greetings, Senior Uncle Chen." After Yu Lian arrived, he bowed to Chen Mobai.

"According to the sect's rules, from now on, we should address each other as fellow disciples." Although Chen Mobai found the custom of seniority based on cultivation in the Tianhe Realm awkward, he decided to follow local customs and addressed Yu Lian as Junior Disciple. Yu Lian hesitated for a moment, then immediately readdressed him as Senior Disciple.

"I have successfully established my foundation. Which spiritual item does Senior Disciple want me to retrieve from the Divine Tree Secret Realm?"

"Take this talisman. Use it in front of the Spirit Treasure Tree, and you will receive a fruit. Bring this fruit out to me, and I will pay you a considerable sum of spirit stones." Chen Mobai did not beat around the bush. After all, the last time they entered the Divine Tree Secret Realm, Zhou Wangshen had already made deals with Yan Jinye, Yuan Chiye, and others. He was simply following suit, and even if the sect master and the two ancestors found out, they wouldn't mind.

"My success in establishing my foundation is entirely due to Senior Disciple Chen's guidance. I will bring the fruit out for you, Senior Disciple, without needing any additional spirit stones." Yu Lian was someone who clearly distinguished between gratitude and grievance. He accepted the Wood Spirit Talisman and decisively made his promise.

"The Divine Tree Secret Realm is a benefit the sect grants to every newly established foundation disciple. The contents of each fruit are rare treasures. If you don't accept the spirit stones, I feel a bit indebted." Chen Mobai, however, had not yet fully transitioned from the mindset of the Immortal Sect. For cultivators in the Tianhe Realm, the most precious things were cultivation techniques and knowledge. His guidance enabling Yu Lian to successfully establish his foundation was akin to a new lease on life. Such an opportunity could not be measured by spirit stones; in Yu Lian's heart, Chen Mobai's importance even neared that of his official master, Shan Hongyi.

"I cultivate the Silver Firmament Thousand Absolutes Sword Scripture and also follow the path of a sword cultivator. Senior Disciple Chen is the foremost sword cultivator of the Divine Wood Sect; I wonder if you would be willing to offer some guidance on the way of the sword?" Yu Lian, refusing the spirit stones, bowed his head slightly with a respectful expression, seeking Chen Mobai's guidance on swordsmanship.

Upon hearing this, Luo Yixuan looked up at the seemingly aloof Yu Lian and realized she had underestimated him. She hadn't expected him to be like her, willing to set aside his pride at crucial moments.

Since the beheading of Mu Hanxiong at Rolling Thunder Mountain, the title of "Divine Wood Sect's Foremost Sword Cultivator" had been attributed to Chen Mobai. However, at that time, there was still Xie Yuntian, a seasoned sword cultivator, and many sect disciples were divided, believing that the late-stage Foundation Establishment Sword Training Department Head was stronger. But during Chen Mobai's seclusion to condense sword qi, news gradually spread about his even match against Ji Dingjin at the Rock Kingdom's spirit stone mine. After all, many cultivators from both the Rock and Sky nations had witnessed it, and although Shanshan Peak tried to suppress the news, they couldn't silence the rogue cultivators who had been caught up in the conflict. After this news spread, Chen Mobai's title as the Divine Wood Sect's foremost sword cultivator became undisputed.

Some even began to discuss whether the sword masters of Golden Light Cliff were a match for Chen Mobai. Could the Divine Wood Sect's foremost sword cultivator be elevated to "East Desolate's Second Foremost Sword Cultivator"? The first, of course, was Mo Douguang.

Therefore, within the Divine Wood Sect, the greatest aspiration for all disciples cultivating sword arts and techniques was to join Xiaonanshan and receive guidance from Chen Mobai.

Although Yu Lian had now established his foundation, he possessed self-awareness. While his talent in swordsmanship was decent, compared to the peerless sword genius before him, he seemed mediocre. At the very least, Yu Lian was currently only at the second realm of swordsmanship. Chen Mobai, however, had already reached the third realm of swordsmanship during the Qi Refining stage. Now, in the early Foundation Establishment stage, he had even mastered Sword Radiance, making him unrivaled within the Foundation Establishment realm. Moreover, according to news from the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, he had already exchanged for Verdant Wood Fiend Energy, seemingly ascending to the fifth realm of swordsmanship, condensing Sword Radiance into Fiend Energy! If he successfully condensed Sword Fiend Energy, it was likely no Foundation Establishment cultivator in the entire East Desolate would dare show their face before him. Because no matter who it was, even the body-tempering Ji Dingjin, facing Sword Fiend Energy, would be defeated with a single strike unless they possessed a third-grade defensive artifact.

For Yu Lian, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, to seek guidance from Chen Mobai, who was also at the same realm, was extremely rare in the East Desolate. Therefore, Luo Yixuan's impression of him greatly improved; this person was not as arrogant as he appeared, and his shrewdness was no less than her own.

"Since that's the case, alright. Demonstrate the sword scripture you cultivate, and I'll see if I can offer you some pointers." Chen Mobai, with his Immortal Sect mindset, believed that knowledge was meant to be imparted, and teaching, guiding, and resolving doubts was a very fulfilling endeavor. So, when Yu Lian sought his advice, he thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. Of course, secretly, he had already reactivated the deduction function of the Formless Puppet, using Yu Lian's body data template to simulate the cultivation of the Silver Firmament Thousand Absolutes Sword Scripture.

Soon, after Yu Lian, holding a wooden sword, demonstrated his mastery of sword energy solidifying into essence and sword essence transforming into qi, Chen Mobai had already deduced the subsequent phenomena of the Silver Firmament Sword Rainbow.

"Not bad, your foundation in swordsmanship is quite solid. It's clear you've put in a lot of hard work." "However, to achieve the Sword Rainbow realm, you still need to further comprehend the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. After all, the so-called Sword Qi Long Rainbow uses three parts of sword qi to draw upon seven parts of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. This way, your opponent isn't just fighting your sword qi, but also contending against heaven and earth itself." "My suggestion is that after establishing your foundation, focus primarily on stabilization. Do not refine spirit stones to increase your spiritual power. Instead, naturally absorb and refine the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through your cultivation technique. Only when you grasp the realm of sword qi like a rainbow should you then consider advancing your cultivation."

As Chen Mobai spoke, he motioned for Yu Lian to condense a streak of Silver Firmament Sword Qi. "Yes, Senior Disciple." Yu Lian immediately raised his sword-holding right hand upon hearing this, then circulated his cultivation technique, exhaling and inhaling sword qi from the blade. The silver light of the sword qi shimmered, resembling a snow-capped mountain peak or a milky way waterfall, giving a feeling of extreme purity yet chilling coldness.

"I will extend my divine sense into your body to temporarily control your spiritual power and sword qi, guiding you to experience the realm of sword qi like a rainbow. Don't be nervous; relax a little." As soon as Chen Mobai said this, Luo Yixuan, standing nearby, was stunned. Generally, this was a privilege reserved for direct core disciples. Could her master be taking another disciple? Would her position as the youngest disciple then be at risk?

And just as she was lost in thought, a brilliant and dazzling silver light erupted from the wooden sword in Yu Lian's hand, soaring upwards like a silver meteor streaking across the sky with a magnificent tail. It ascended from the summit of Xiaonanshan, drawing a beautiful arc in the clear blue sky, scattering jade dust like silver stars. At the foot of the mountain, Zhuo Ming, who was tending to the spiritual fields, saw this scene, thought something was wrong, and immediately put down her hoe to head towards the summit.

What a beautiful Sword Rainbow! The moment Luo Yixuan saw the Silver Firmament Sword Rainbow, she was captivated. It was more beautiful than any fireworks she had ever witnessed; she thought of the phrase, "fiery trees and silver flowers."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Disciple. If you don't mind, I wish to perform the disciple's bow." As Chen Mobai withdrew the sword-finger he had placed on Yu Lian's wrist, the latter immediately performed a grand bow to him.

"You have already become a disciple under Senior Disciple Shan, so let's just leave it at that. Besides, with your talent, you would eventually comprehend the Sword Rainbow anyway." Chen Mobai shook his head. Although the Divine Wood Sect stipulated that Foundation Establishment cultivators were considered peers, and theoretically Yu Lian should now address Shan Hongyi as Senior Disciple, he felt that taking Yu Lian as his own disciple would be a bit much.

"In the future, if you have any questions regarding swordsmanship, feel free to send me a message and ask. As long as I am out of seclusion and have time, I will do my best to answer. However, my cultivation is limited after all, so there might be some questions I cannot answer." "Senior Disciple is truly too modest." Yu Lian said sincerely, then asked some more questions he had accumulated during his cultivation of the sword scripture.

At this moment, Zhuo Ming also arrived. Seeing Chen Mobai and Yu Lian conversing happily, she was a bit confused. Luo Yixuan immediately waved her over, guessing why she had come, and explained the whole situation. Zhuo Ming listened, her face full of envy.

"Back then, Senior Disciple Yu Lian was the strongest among our group. As expected, he was the first to establish his foundation after Master." Hearing this, Luo Yixuan still felt a slight sense of defiance. She believed that if she had immediately bowed to Chen Mobai upon meeting him in Nanxi Market, her achievements might not have been inferior to Yu Lian's.

"Senior Disciple Chen, then I shall take my leave." In the time it took to drink two cups of tea, Yu Lian had gained more from Chen Mobai than he had in seven years as Shan Hongyi's disciple. After all, Shan Hongyi was not a sword cultivator and did not cultivate the Silver Firmament Thousand Absolutes Sword Scripture, unlike Chen Mobai, who understood Yu Lian's body data and cultivation technique even better than Yu Lian himself.

If my guess is correct, Yu Lian should obtain an Evergreen Tree Fruit using the Wood Spirit Talisman, but even then, one more would be needed. It seems I still need to work on the other two grand-nephews, though it would be best if they came to me willingly. After seeing Yu Lian off, Chen Mobai, deep in thought, beckoned to Luo Yixuan, who immediately pulled Zhuo Ming over.

"Master, you called for me." "How are the other two grand-nephews who exchanged for Foundation Establishment Pills?"

"No news has come from them. They both have backers, so they don't need to take the Foundation Establishment Pills as eagerly as Senior Disciple Yu... Senior Uncle Yu. They might even delay for a year or two." Luo Yixuan had been monitoring Mu Yuan and Li Yixian as Chen Mobai requested, but there had been no news of them using the Foundation Establishment Pills.

"At most by the end of the year, they should have consumed them, but it would be best if they took them now." Chen Mobai shook his head, uttering words that greatly puzzled Luo Yixuan.

"In three years, a batch of Jade Marrow Golden Ganoderma will mature. If they take the Foundation Establishment Pills now, even if they fail to establish their foundation, they will have recovered in three years and can compete again for that batch of orthodox Foundation Establishment Pills. If they delay for a year or two, and by chance fail their foundation establishment with severe injuries that don't fully heal, they might miss the opportunity to exchange for a second Foundation Establishment Pill."

Hearing these words, Luo Yixuan and Zhuo Ming nodded in realization. Zhuo Ming had no particular thoughts on the matter; she had just broken through to Qi Refining Layer Seven and would be content to reach Qi Refining Layer Eight in three years, having already given up on the idea of Foundation Establishment for herself. Luo Yixuan, on the other hand, was full of confidence, declaring that she would not bring shame to Xiaonanshan and would strive for a successful Foundation Establishment on her first attempt.

"Xuan'er, Ming'er, go to Divine Wood City in the next couple of days." "Master, is there anything you need us to do?" the two disciples asked simultaneously.

"Ming'er, you are to stock a batch of new wine at the Xiaonanshan shop and say that I personally unsealed it. Xuan'er, take some of this new wine to a few of my friends. If they ask about my situation, tell them that I had a breakthrough during my seclusion and have emerged very happy." Although Zhuo Ming and Luo Yixuan didn't fully understand Chen Mobai's intentions, they both obediently nodded in agreement.

At the Hall of Merits. After Chu Zuoshu received the new wine delivered by Luo Yixuan, he was about to open it when Fu Huakun and An Jinghui, the head of the Puppet Department, suddenly arrived. "What rare guests! Just coincidentally, Junior Disciple Chen had a disciple bring a jar of new wine today. Why don't you two junior disciples taste it with me?"

The Puppet Department was under the Hall of Punishments, and the previous head of the Puppet Department was Old Ancestor Fu. An Jinghui was Old Ancestor Fu's direct disciple and usually had no dealings with Chu Zuoshu. Seeing him enter with Fu Huakun today, Chu Zuoshu felt very curious.

"Senior Disciple Chu, I won't beat around the bush here. My disciple wishes to ask Junior Disciple Chen for some pointers on his Foundation Establishment insights, but Junior Disciple Chen and I are strangers. So, I could only ask Senior Disciple Fu to bridge the gap and seek your help." An Jinghui sat down with a wry smile, proactively picking up the wine jar to pour for Chu Zuoshu. Fu Huakun, meanwhile, silently drank his wine; his task was complete after making the introductions.

"Oh, doesn't the Scripture Pavilion contain the sect's collected Foundation Establishment insights for various cultivation techniques? While Junior Disciple Chen is a genius, everyone's path is unique. When it comes to Foundation Establishment insights, wouldn't it be more reliable to draw from a wide range of experiences?" Chu Zuoshu was unaware of Yu Lian's Foundation Establishment. An Jinghui immediately explained the full story.

"Junior Disciple Chen is the first person in our Divine Wood Sect to successfully establish his foundation using a demonic beast Foundation Establishment Pill. With his guidance, Yu Lian actually succeeded in one go. There must be some crucial secret involved. But for me to directly ask for such a secret would be too presumptuous, so I could only ask for help from you, Senior Disciple Chu, the future sect master." An Jinghui's tone was very polite as he spoke, but Chu Zuoshu remained calm and was not swayed by the flattery.

"I see. In that case, I can only mention this to Junior Disciple Chen on your behalf. After all, it concerns a secret technique, and if he is unwilling, even the two ancestors cannot force him." In the Tianhe Realm, the protection of cultivation techniques and knowledge inheritance was paramount; sometimes, sects would rather perish than pass them down. Therefore, Chu Zuoshu dared not make any guarantees. If it weren't for the fact that the petitioner was the head of the Puppet Department, Old Ancestor Fu's disciple, and also involved Fu Huakun's reputation, he would likely have directly refused.

"Oh, no, no, I am already very grateful that Senior Disciple Chu is willing to help. It truly concerns my disciple's Foundation Establishment, so I had no choice but to be so brazen."

A similar situation unfolded at the Divine Wood Hall.

Meng Hong, who had just finished packing his fishing gear with Cang Qi and was about to go fishing, found his youngest disciple, Mu Yuan, uncharacteristically taking the initiative to carry his fish basket, which made him click his tongue in surprise.